Mr Adrian Tan, vice-president of the Law Society of Singapore, advised freelancers to sign a contract with clients containing exact terms and conditions.
He encouraged freelance workers to get a professional lawyer to draw up a one-time contract that can be reused with different clients.
Key terms should include the names of both parties, what services are to be provided, the amount, mode and timing of payment and dispute-resolution methods.
The new, Free, 12-chapter handbook contextualises laws for the creative arts industry, and aims to inform and educate artists about their legal rights.
It was launched by the Law Society Pro Bono Services (LSPBS) and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) at the NTUC Centre in Marina Boulevard.
It provides information on contracts, insurance, copyright and trademark essentials and dispute resolution options. It is written in layman terms and features cartoon drawings.
In 2016, there were more than 40,000 professionals, including freelancers, in Singapore’s creative arts industry.
The handbook will be available for download on the NTUC U portal (www.ntuc.org.sg) and the Law Society Pro Bono Services site (http://probono.lawsociety.org.sg/Pages/default.aspx).
